Competitions are held regularly throughout the year, with tests on trauma, medical, improvisation (no first aid kits), Communication, Drill, Pairs 1&2, Pairs 3&4 and a Team Leader Test Divisions can enter teams of up to two competitors for Kororā (Yr1 to Yr3), Hoiho (Yr4 to Yr6), Intermediate (Blue) (Yr7 to Yr9) and Senior (Gold) (Yr10 to Yr13 or until you turn 19) competition teams. In senior competitions, there is also the senior individual category which is made up of one senior cadet who participates in a Trauma, Medical, Improvisation, Communication and Drill Test. (The drill test is done with a Senior Team) All three regions hold District Competitions where the top teams and individuals then progress through to the Regional Competitions. Both Northern and Central regions compete annually at Interprovincial Competitions. To qualify to go to Interprovincial Competitions, teams must be in the top 6 scorers in the Quiz test, held either as the Communications test at district competitions or held at a separate date closer to the competition. Additionally, both regions send 6 teams to Interprovincials from either the Quiz test and an 7th guest team can be sent by the hosting region (it switches between northern and central every year).
National Youth Festival/Competitions Previously known as the National Youth Competitions, the National Youth Festival is an annual event held in different regions every year. This is a competition where every region across New Zealand meet for competitions which are often held in April. The previous competition was held by Central Region in
Palmerston North. All regions run a process to select their squads that will represent their region at competitions. Each region has a different process and must select a regional squad that consists of four teams of four, four individuals (one to be assigned to each team) and four ‘emergencies’ (also one to be assigned to each team). Phased out in 2020, some Regions selected development squads that don't compete on the day but train with the squad, or as a non-competing emergency. The Champion Region title is currently held by Central Region (2026).
International Youth Festival In 2010 New Zealand hosted an International Youth Festival. Held between 25 and 31 January at Lincoln University near Christchurch. Cadets from 8 other countries (England, Wales, Germany, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia) attended the festival, which incorporated both the National and International competitions. The Northern Region South Island (NRSI) (since amalgamated into South Island Region) team won the National Competitions, winning Champion Team, Champion Individual and Champion Region, amongst other trophies. Other activities during the festival included an 'Amazing Puzzle Race' around Christchurch city center, a visit to Hamner Springs and Thrillseekers canyon, a Youth Symposium, in which cadets listened to speakers and discussed issues faced Youth in today's world, a sports championship, surfing and Sightseeing around Christchurch City and the International Antarctic Center. Every four years, an International Youth Festival is held. The last International Youth Festival was held in
South Africa in 2020. == Divisions ==